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This measure would recognize the month of May 2015 as National Military Appreciation Month.

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WHEREAS, On December 7, 1941, just before 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning, the first wave of bombers began the attack on Pearl Harbor that led the United States into World War II. It was an unforgettable day for those who lived through it, one which called America forth to defend itself, and in so doing, inspired a generation of Americans to rise and lead the defense of freedom around the world; and

WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, America was attacked again, and again American blood was shed on American soil by a foreign foe. Most of the casualties of this most recent attack were civilians, a reflection of the many ways in which the world has changed since 1941. Once again, a generation of Americans have been called to rise to the defense of our way of lifethis time not against an aggressor nation but against the global terrorist networks that have targeted us; and

WHEREAS, The vigilance of the members of the Armed Forces has been instrumental to the preservation of the freedom, security, and prosperity enjoyed by the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Armed Forces depends on the dedicated service of its members, their families, and the civilian employees of the federal Department of Defense and the Coast Guard; and

WHEREAS, The role of the United States as a world leader requires a military force that is well trained, well equipped, and appropriately sized; and

WHEREAS, To maintain such a force, the youth of the United States must possess a commitment to military service sufficient to achieve the levels of recruitment and retention necessary to sustain the strength, vitality, and character of the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, To foster and sustain such a commitment it is vital for the youth of the United States to understand that the service provided by members of the Armed Forces is an honorable legacy that protects the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States as well as citizens of many other nations; and

WHEREAS, Service in the Armed Forces entails special hazards and demands extraordinary sacrifices from service members and their families; and

WHEREAS, The support of the families of service members enhances the effectiveness and capabilities of the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, The observance of events recognizing the contributions of the Armed Forces is a tangible and highly effective way of sustaining morale and improving the quality of life for service members and their families; and

WHEREAS, On April 30, 1999, the Senate passed Senate Resolution 33 (106th Congress), entitled Designating May 1999 as National Military Appreciation Month, calling on the people of the United States, in a symbolic act of unity, to observe a National Military Appreciation Month in May 1999, to honor the current and former members of the Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace; and

WHEREAS, It is important to emphasize to the people of California the relevance of the history and activities of the Armed Forces through National Military Appreciation Month, which includes associated local and national observances and activities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature honors those men and women who have served and are serving in our nations military, and recognizes the month of May 2015 as National Military Appreciation Month; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.